The Arab Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian cause and the implementation of the two-state solution during a meeting in Jordan.
On Sunday, a delegation of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on the developments in the Gaza Strip held a virtual meeting with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, after Israel blocked the delegation’s scheduled visit to the occupied West Bank.
Amman Meeting
Under the chairmanship of the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, a delegation of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee convened in Jordan’s capital, Amman, to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and efforts to end the war and blockade on the enclave.
The meeting’s primary goal was to coordinate a visit to Ramallah to meet Abbas, in a strong show of support for Palestine. However, the visit was postponed due to Israel’s decision to block the Arab delegation from entering the occupied West Bank – a move that sparked strong condemnation.
The Amman meeting gathered the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain, in addition to the Secretary-General of the Arab League. Moreover, the Palestinian Vice President and Foreign Minister joined the meeting via video conference.
Highlighting Arab Efforts
The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee briefed the Palestinian President on its international endeavors to bring the Israeli aggression on Gaza to an end, lift the blockade, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Furthermore, the Ministerial Committee highlighted the ongoing preparations to ensure the success of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which will take place in New York on June 17-20, 2025, under the joint chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France.
The conference aligns with the tireless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian State along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Addressing Gaza Crisis
During the meeting, the Ministerial Committee reaffirmed support for the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the US to secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
It also urged Israel to allow the immediate, adequate, and sustained entry of humanitarian and medical aid, and give access to the UN organizations – particularly the UNRWA – to deliver aid supplies across the Strip. The Committee also called for ending the dangerous Israeli escalation in the West Bank.
Moreover, the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee underscored the importance of holding the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza, which will take place in Cairo once a ceasefire is reached. The conference aims to implement the Gaza reconstruction plan endorsed by the Arab Emergency Summit held in Cairo on March 4, 2025.
Supporting Palestinian Authority
The Ministerial Committee emphasized the significance of supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA). In the light of this, it praised the measures taken by Abbas to reform the PA.
The Committee also condemned Israel’s decision to block the Committee’s visit to Ramallah as a violation of diplomatic norms and a reflection of a dangerous approach aimed at obstructing the Committee’s efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, as well as to support the Palestinian government’s reform agenda.
It said that this move was consistent with the extremist policies of the Israeli government, which blocks the entry of aid and medicine to Gaza and obstructs peace efforts.
Palestinian Appreciation
The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, appreciated the Committee’s efforts in mobilizing international support for ending the war on Gaza, alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe, and advancing the implementation of the two-state solution.
Abbas also expressed hope for the success of the upcoming International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Furthermore, he reiterated the Palestinian government’s commitment to its reform agenda and called for coordinated international support for the PA reform efforts across the political, economic and security domains. Within this context, Abbas called on Israel to release the Palestinian funds it seizes.
The Palestinian President also reaffirmed commitment to renouncing violence and the targeting of civilians. He also reiterated commitment to working to establish security and peace in cooperation with Arab States and international partners, expressing hope that he would soon welcome the Ministerial Committee in Palestine.
